Such a great reason to stop. I too have been a nicotine addict since about age 13 or so, and am almost 35. It has been a struggle. But a recent bout with a bi-pulmonary embolism--blood clots in both lungs--I've finally been "scared" into stopping. (We could have a philosophical discussion here on the metaphysics of selfhood, the ethics of "selfishness" lol, but, that seems a bit irrelevant to the over-arching point--which is, the "pain" of continuing to smoke outweighs any "benefits" we derived from the act.) .

It has been, let's see... probably close to two weeks since I had even ONE puff on a cigarette. I have been utilizing the "gum." So, in a sense, I suppose I am not free from nicotine--just the smoking lol. Although I'll tell ya--it's a step in the right direction... The symptoms of severe chest pain and coughing up blood practically ceased within days of stopping. I have also "quit" twice in the past--once for literally one year to the day--I smoked on day 366; and another time for around 7 months.

So yeah--I don't mean to turn this into a "cautionary tale," but, at not even 35 years of age, I can tell you: I never thought I'd be dealing with that. Almost a week in the hospital.. scared me half to death lol. (I will also add here: I was also "vaping" THC during this time, too; which I definitely believe had something to do with it, fyi.) Either way, smoking is pretty raunchy. Not to mention the fact that I was such a hypocrite that I couldn't stand the smell of it on others hahah now that I've stopped I know how invasive and in many ways, just plain rude going around smelling up the world like that is lol. (Damn, I want a cigarette now... Old habits die hard, eh?)

But I'm just gonna pop a piece of my 2 mg gum (down from 4 mg pieces--yay!!), and continue breathing better. Thanks for the reminder, @doctorcrypto, and good luck to you. I know you can stop. Oh, one more piece of "advice"--if you do happen to smoke--Do not let that deter you!! (Do NOT use as excuse to slip, tho :(( . But, it's about "progress, not perfection." We can let our own guilt and everything weigh us down unnecessarily, and use it as an excuse to become even worse--or at least I can ;)! Stay strong :)